Meet Titilayo Otukoya ’23, who earned an MBA with a concentration in finance and marketing. She previously earned a B.S. in international law and diplomacy from Babcock University in her home country of Nigeria. Today, Otukoya is an associate at Goldman Sachs Ayco, a leader in company-sponsored financial counseling programs for employees. Based in the Seattle office, Otukoya works on the executive financial planning team. Prior stops on Otukoya’s career path include leadership roles at UC Digital Services, MyFarmbase Africa and AIESEC — which helps young people with leadership development and potential through cross-cultural exchanges as volunteers and interns — in Nigeria. She is a registered financial advisor with certifications in Series 7, SIE and Series 66 and has published research on the environmental impacts of war, securitization theory and its application in armed conflict in the International Journal of Science and Research Archive.  

Who is the most significant role model in your life?  

My older sister has been the most significant role model in my life. Her disciplined and consistent approach to her academic endeavors inspired me from a young age. Watching her dedication and success in her studies made me love studying and strive for excellence in my own academic pursuits. Her example taught me the value of perseverance and strategic thinking, which has profoundly shaped my career aspirations.

How did Whitman prepare you for career success?

I decided to pursue an MBA in the United States to equip myself with the essential skills for career advancement. After exploring several options, I was drawn to Syracuse University’s Whitman School, thanks to the sincere care and interest demonstrated by graduate recruitment officer Shri Ramakrishnan. The commitment of Whitman’s staff and faculty to understanding and supporting my goals made me feel welcomed and confident in my decision. Syracuse University was the ideal choice.

Was there an experience, class or project at Whitman that was especially impactful?

The Managerial Finance course with Assistant Teaching Professor in Finance Tianyue Zhao was the most transformative part of my MBA experience. Even though my focus was marketing, this course ignited a deep passion for finance and opened my eyes to new career possibilities. It reshaped my career trajectory and broadened my understanding of the financial world, ultimately guiding my decision to pursue a career in finance. Professor Tom Barkley was also a key part of my MBA. He really helped me understand complex finance concepts and made certain investment strategies much clearer. His strategic approach to using our class time to cover real-world finance applications was incredibly valuable and truly prepared us for the industry.

What factored into your decision to pursue an MBA at Whitman?

Whitman equipped me with a robust blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for my role at Goldman Sachs. The diverse coursework, hands-on projects and strong emphasis on real-world applications honed my analytical and strategic thinking abilities. Furthermore, Whitman’s supportive faculty and extensive alumni network provided invaluable mentorship and networking opportunities, which have been instrumental in advancing my career at Goldman Sachs.

What was your fondest memory during your time at Syracuse University in the MBA program?

My fondest memory from my MBA program was working on team projects, especially during a second-year entrepreneurship course. We brainstormed, refined ideas and developed a prototype of our idea. I enjoyed the dynamic collaboration and creative energy. Although it was challenging, the experience was rewarding, as it highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives and teamwork in entrepreneurship, enhancing my practical skills and appreciation for innovative thinking.